Title IX

Pursuant to Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and other applicable state laws and University of South Carolina EOP Policy 1.01, 1.02, 1.03 and 1.04, it is illegal to harass or discriminate against any individual (faculty, staff, student or visitor) on the basis of sex. Specifically Title IX states no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual violence, and sexual misconduct. Title IX also prohibits retaliation against an individual who, in good faith, asserts his or her rights under Title IX or other applicable federal laws and state laws prohibiting illegal discrimination.

Any student who experiences sexual harassment (including sexual misconduct, sexual assault or sexual violence), harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex is encouraged to contact Bobby D. Gist, the USC Title IX Coordinator or the University's Student Complaint Coordinator/Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Carl Wells. Their office is located at 1600 Hampton Street in suite 805 and they may be reached (803) 777-3854. Students are also encouraged to contact the USC Police Department, USC Legal Office or the USC Office of Student Affairs to report alleged sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, or sexual assault or any other criminal behavior based upon their sex.

Any administrator or supervisor, including a department chair, associate dean, or other administrator, or person in a position with power over a student who receives notice of a student's complaint of alleged prohibited harassment, including sexual misconduct, sexual violence, sexual assault or any other criminal behavior based upon sex or discrimination, must immediately contact the USC Equal Opportunity Programs Office. Failure to immediately report any Title IX matter may result in disciplinary action against any person, (administrators, faculty or staff member) in a position of power over a student. Procedures for reporting and responding to complaints of discrimination, harassment or retaliation under Title IX can be found in the University's Policy on Prohibited Harassment and Discrimination, available at http://www.sc.edu/eop/.